H&R Block VS TaxAct

H&R Block vs TaxAct: Which Tax Filing Software Is Right for You?

H&R Block and TaxAct are two of the most widely used tax-filing tools in the U.S. Both can help you file federal and state tax returns online and guide you through the process with step-by-step support. However, they differ in pricing, level of guidance, support options, and overall user experience.

H&R Block is known for its beginner-friendly interface, strong support options, and extensive network of physical offices for in-person help. TaxAct, on the other hand, is typically more affordable and focuses on providing robust functionality at a lower price, making it ideal for budget-conscious filers who are comfortable doing more on their own.

To help you decide which tax software fits your needs best, let’s compare H&R Block vs TaxAct across the most important tax-filing factors.

H&R Block vs TaxAct: Comparison Table

Key Differences Between H&R Block and TaxAct

Help Availability: H&R Block offers multiple support channels, including live tax professionals and more than 9,000 physical offices across the U.S. for in-person help. TaxAct is primarily an online solution and offers expert help virtually (for an extra fee), but no in-person offices.

User Experience: H&R Block is designed for guided, step-by-step filing with plain-language explanations, examples, and helpful prompts. TaxAct emphasizes speed and efficiency, providing a clean interface but less hand-holding during the process.

Handling Complex Returns: For itemized deductions, investments, rental income, and small business earnings, H&R Block’s stronger guidance and access to professionals can be very helpful. TaxAct supports these same tax situations at a lower cost, but assumes you’re comfortable navigating the forms yourself.

Audit Protection: H&R Block includes free audit guidance with all online plans, giving users added peace of mind. TaxAct offers only basic support by default and charges an extra fee if you want full audit defense.

Refund Maximization: Both platforms provide accuracy checks and a maximum refund guarantee. However, H&R Block’s more guided experience and built-in professional support can be especially reassuring for users with more complicated tax situations.

H&R Block vs TaxAct: Pricing

Both H&R Block and TaxAct offer multiple pricing tiers depending on the complexity of your return. Below is an overview based on typical online pricing structures:

H&R Block

• Free Online: $0 federal and $0 state (for simple returns)
• Deluxe: Starts at $60 + $49 per state filed
• Premium: Starts at $100 + $49 per state filed
• Self-Employed: Starts at $125 + $49 per state filed

TaxAct

• Free: $0 federal + $54 per state filed
• Deluxe: $54.99 + $64.99 per state filed
• Premier: Starts at $94.99 + $64.99 per state filed
• Self-Employed: Starts at $109.99 + $64.99 per state filed

Detailed Feature Comparison of TaxAct vs H&R Block

Ease of Use & Guidance

H&R Block is built for beginners and users who want guidance at every step. As you file, the software explains each section with examples and simple language. It also offers import tools for W-2s and prior returns to speed things up. This step-by-step approach makes the process feel less intimidating.

TaxAct offers a clean, fast interface that experienced filers may appreciate. However, it provides fewer guided prompts than H&R Block, so you may need to be more comfortable with tax terminology and forms to get the most out of it.

Access to Tax Professionals

This is a major advantage for H&R Block. In addition to online help, you can get live assistance from tax pros and even visit a physical H&R Block office to have someone review or prepare your return for you.

TaxAct is primarily an online product. It offers expert assistance through its Xpert Assist service for an additional cost, but does not provide in-person help like H&R Block’s nationwide network of offices.

Filing Accuracy & Refund Guarantees

Both TaxAct and H&R Block include a maximum refund guarantee and a 100% accuracy guarantee on their calculations. If they make a calculation error, they’ll typically cover penalties or interest caused by that mistake.

Where H&R Block stands out is the combination of these guarantees with more extensive support options, giving many users extra confidence—especially when filing more complex returns.

Audit Support

H&R Block provides free audit support (advice and guidance) with all online plans, which is a big plus for users who worry about potential IRS letters or questions.

TaxAct includes limited audit help by default and charges extra if you want full audit defense. This means you may pay less upfront with TaxAct, but audit protection can cost more if you decide you need it later.

Self-Employed & Complex Returns

For freelancers, small business owners, landlords, or investors, H&R Block is often the more comfortable choice. Its guidance, built-in help, and access to professionals make it easier to handle itemized deductions, rental property income, and investment transactions.

TaxAct supports the same types of returns and tends to be cheaper in these tiers, but it assumes you’re confident enough to navigate more of the process independently, with fewer prompts and less built-in hand-holding.

When to Choose H&R Block or TaxAct?

Final Verdict: H&R Block or TaxAct?

Both H&R Block and TaxAct are reliable U.S. tax filing platforms that support federal and state returns while complying with IRS rules and regulations.

H&R Block is the better fit if you want a beginner-friendly experience, strong step-by-step guidance, access to tax experts, and included audit support—especially for more complex returns.

TaxAct is ideal if you’re looking for a that still offers powerful tools and you’re comfortable handling more of the filing process yourself to save money.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your comfort level, budget, and the complexity of your tax situation. If you’re still unsure which tax software is best for you, you can reach out to tax software specialists or consult a trusted advisor for personalized guidance.